Pensioner jailed for non-recent child sexual offences
Frank Bowyer appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court where he was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment
78-year-old man from Bury St Edmunds has been jailed after being found guilty of 18 non-recent child sexual offences.
Frank Bowyer, of Ridley Road in Bury St Edmunds, appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court today, Friday 28 August, where he was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment.
Bowyer had denied the charges against him but was found guilty by a jury of the following offences after an eight-day trial:
seven counts of sexually assaulting a child
seven counts of assaulting a child by penetration
four counts of indecent assault
The court heard that the offences were committed over a 10-year period and related to three victims, all girls aged between four and 12 years
The offences were first reported to police in August 2023.
Victim Personal Statements were read out in court on behalf of the victims.
One victim said: “Since the assault that occurred to me as a child, I have experienced significant emotional distress and mental issues. I suffer from severe depression, sleep disturbance and have had several anxiety attacks about related issues…”
Another wrote: “The abuse took away my childhood. It took away my sense of safety, my ability to trust, and the chance to live without fear.”
The third victim directed her closing statement to the judge: “When you consider sentencing today… think of the frightened little girl who never had a voice, who had no choice, and who carried this burden in silence for so many years.”
In addition to his sentence, Bowyer was ordered to sign the sex offender’s register for life.
Detective Constable Marie Appleby, who was the officer in charge of the case, said: “Frank Bowyer is a sexual predator who subjected his victims to years of abuse that have had a lasting impact.
“He refused to admit guilt, forcing them to relive their trauma during the trial. He has shown no remorse for his actions.
“I would like to pay tribute to the victims for their bravery in coming forward, and their strength in supporting this investigation. I hope today’s result brings them some peace to be able to move forward with their lives.
“I would urge anyone who has been abused to please report it. We will always listen to you and take appropriate action, no matter how long ago the offences took place.”